The Mississippi River is one of the longest and most beautiful rivers in the United States. The mighty Mississippi River is a cultural treasure and as such, is designated as an American Heritage River. The river flows through 10 states rising in Minnesota and traveling a whopping 2,320 miles to eventually reach the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana.
The Mississippi not only provides a source of fresh water but is also one of the greatest water highways on earth. The efforts of the US Army Corps of Engineers helped tame this tumultuous river to advance navigation and reduce flood damage.
Efforts to harness the vast waters of the Mississippi began as early as 1824, but it wasn’t until 1930 that construction began on the locks and dams that we see today. Twenty-nine locks and dams help maintain a nine-foot channel depth for commercial traffic to pass through all year round that are maintained and managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Mississippi River - Pool 3 is situated in the more remote and scenic areas of the Upper Mississippi River Valley, between Hastings, Minnesota, and Red Wing, MN. Pool 3 is a popular recreation destination for outdoor enthusiasts with varying interests. The project lands around the main channel are home to plenty of wilderness areas and backwaters that offer spectacular fishing and boating opportunities.
Mississippi River - Pool 3 is also part of the Upper Mississippi River Project, and this region passes through several National Wildlife Refuges, including the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, as well as many other state-owned and local recreational areas. This makes it a perfect destination for those that enjoy birdwatching, hunting, and wildlife.
Mississippi River - Pool 3 is located on the Minnesota side of the river and close to Diamond Bluff and Red Wing, MN. Lock and dam 3 is about eight miles off of US Hwy 61 which is part of the famous Great River Road. The lock and dam are situated on County Hwy 19 which eventually becomes Lock and Dam Road. The drive is scenic and the roads are wide and well-maintained. You can also see the observation platform as you drive up to the dam.
There are no campgrounds on the Minnesota side of the river. Tent camping is possible on islands and sandbanks that can be found in the backwater regions surrounding Pool 3. The nearest RV campgrounds are located at Afton State Park and William O'Brien State Park, located in the east metropolitan area near the St. Croix River. The campgrounds offer electric hookups and large spacious campsites for RVs and motorhomes along with state of the art facilities like flush toilets, showers, and playgrounds.
Perhaps the most popular activity at Mississippi River - Pool 3 is fishing. Anglers from all over the world have always been attracted to the river waters of the Mississippi in the hopes of catching some truly rare freshwater giants. The Upper Mississippi River Valley is one of those few regions along the Mississippi that allows for shore fishing as well as a diverse landscape.
Instead of just being a vast body of water, Pool 3 has plenty of backwaters, channels, streams, and rivers adjoining the main channel, which makes for some excellent fishing spots. These backwaters are abundant with plenty of fish species, including Walleye, Sauger, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Northern Pike, and Catfish. A fishing pier is also available for public use by the lock and dam.
Boating is the other most popular activity at Mississippi River - Pool 3. The surrounding areas of the lock and dam serve as flood plains and contain a diverse landscape, including floodplain forests, wetlands, sloughs, streams, islands, and backwater marshes. These offer ideal waters for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts who fancy exploring the wilderness or finding remote fishing spots. The nine-foot deep main channel provides access to both commercial and recreational boating enthusiasts, and frequent long-distance cruises are also available for those who fancy spending time on the water rather than on land.
Encompassing Mississippi River - Pool 3 is Gores Pool Wildlife Management Area. Over 6,400 miles of wilderness make it an ideal destination for hunting small game and waterfowl. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge has helped preserve a healthy population of waterfowl, deer, and small game in the region that makes hunting a thrilling and rewarding activity here.
There is nothing better than a picnic near cool and clean fresh water on a hot summer day. Mississippi River - Pool 3 offers all of this and much more to those who wish to spend a relaxing day out surrounded by nature. Picnic areas and facilities are available at Commissory Point Campground, Point Douglas, and Lake Rebecca Municipal Park.
Whether you're seeking a short stroll or want to embark on a hiking expedition, you are in luck as the City of Hastings offers a 15-mile trail system at Lake Rebecca Municipal Park that takes visitors on a journey featuring scenic views and plenty of flora and fauna. This array of trails leads to many spots along the valley and varies in difficulty to suit the needs of all who visit this neck of the woods.
Even during winter months, visitors arrive at Mississippi River - Pool 3 in droves to enjoy a variety of winter recreational activities. From watching bald eagles soar above the snow-packed hills to ice fishing in the waters below, this place is nothing short of a winter wonderland. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing enthusiasts can also enjoy the ungroomed ski trails at Lake Rebecca Park.
